What is DIMM? DIMM is an acronym that stands for Dual Inline Memory Module. So, what does it look like? A dual inline memory module varies in the number of memory components (the memory components are usually black in color) attached to a printed circuit board (the board is usually green in color). You will see gold pins or what we called the “integrated circuits” from the front and the back of the DIMM, they are not connected in any way to each other. If you will count the number of pins, it usually has ninety-four (94) pins in front and another ninety-four (94) pins at the back for a total of one hundred eighty-four (184) pins.

The DIMM which again stands for Dual Inline Memory Module is usually used in desktops and servers. There are actually four (4) types of DIMM, these are:

  1. The 100 pin DIMM is normally used for printer SDRAM or Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory);
  2. The 168 pin DIMM is used for SDR SDRAM or Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory);
  3. The 184 pin DIMM is used for DDR SDRAM or Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory; and
  4. The 240 pin DIMM is used for Fully Buffered DIMM DRAM or Dual Inline Memory Module Dynamic Random Access Memory, which has the capacity to increase the speed, density and reliability of memory systems.

The 100 pin DIMM waits first for a clock signal before it responds to control inputs because of the synchronous interface it is using. The 168 pin DIMM is seldom used in servers or workstations but nevertheless it has the ability to acknowledge one command and shift one word of data for each clock cycle. The 184 pin DIMM, on the other hand, has the capacity to shift data to the connection twice than the SDR SDRAM (Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). While the 240 pin DIMM has the ability to raise its speed, reliability and density of its memory. The 240 pin DIMM is usually utilized for high speed memory of any working data.

So as time goes by, inventions are updated especially when it comes to computers more specifically when it comes to kinds of memory. The common memory nowadays as we all know is the DIMM as enumerated above. If you are going to change your mother board and wanted to purchase a new one, you need to likewise decide on whether to purchase a new memory or upgrade the same because it happens that you purchase a new board but the same is not compatible with your existing memory. If you have decided to change your memory as well into a lot more efficient like DIMM, you are now faced with the choice of which of the four (4) kinds of DIMM are you going to purchase. Think about it, in the end it is still your choice which one to use and be compatible with your mother board. Think wisely!